Masato Iwasaki, PHD

Masato currently serves as an Advisor with Catalys Pacific. He has extensive experience in pharmaceuticals ranging from the launch and growth of multiple pharmaceutical products in Japan to the strategic globalization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.

Prior to joining Catalys Pacific, he was a Representative Director of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company since 2021 after he served as Board Member and President of the Japan Pharmaceutical Business Unit from 2012 to 2021 and Corporate Officer of Strategic Product Planning from 2010 to 2012.

Masato has played significant roles in the growth and global expansion of Takeda through a series of strategic acquisitions, including Syrrx, Millennium, Nycomed, and Shire since his appointment in Strategic Product Planning in 2004. In addition to his involvement in acquisitions, Masato ked strategic alliances, driving organic growth and successful launching multiple blockbuster products. During 2011, his tenure as a Head of Chief Medical & Scientific Officer (CMSO) Office which he established, he also played an instrumental role in transforming Takeda’s R&D organization and organizing its pipeline. Masato has obtained profound insights into the complexities of the Japanese local landscape through his previous roles as Project Leader of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Franchise and Vice Chairman of the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association from 2018 to 2022.

Since 2022, Masato has been an External Board Member of JSR Corporation, a company specialized in semiconductor and digital solutions. Additionally, he serves as Senior Executive Fellow of Industrial Growth Platform, Inc. and Executive Advisor of Institute for New Era Strategy, engaging in discussions on future healthcare strategies.

Masato received his M.S. in Pharmaceutical Science from Tokyo University of Pharmacy and a Life Science and PhD in Medical Science from Juntendo University.